Inter's Euro coup cheers Suning

Inter Milan's return to the Champions League has soothed doubts over the club's Chinese ownership as chairman Zhang Jindong reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the Nerazzurri to former glories.

A dramatic 3-2 victory over Lazio saw Inter snatch the final Champions League qualifying spot from under the noses of its Rome rival on Sunday, sparking emotional scenes at Stadio Olimpico, with Zhang's son Steven pictured weeping on the sideline.

Suning Group, chaired by Zhang, spent $318 million to purchase the sleeping Italian giant in 2016. The Chinese retail conglomerate's initial cash injection yielded only a seventh-place finish last season, and in March speculation swirled that Suning might be looking to unload the club.